Harry Rosen

My inspiration for my Harry Rosen collection was a picture of lady in leather shorts. This picture stuck out for me because I associate leather with Harley Davidson’s, and big burly men on motorcycles with bad attitudes as that is part of the typical fabric in a biker’s wardrobe.  Bikers wear leather for protective reasons, but it is commonly associated with a “tough guy” look as most times they are travelling in groups that have frequently been defined as “gangs” in modern culture. The leather shorts certainly give the outfit a sleek and suspiciously hardcore feel because she portrays a genuine ladylike appearance here, with black suede, intricately detailed stilettos featuring satin ribbons tied in bows.  She does not at all look like she just jumped off the back of a hog. To me, it represents a rebellion in her outfit. She is portraying an classy, elegant woman with details of femininity in her wardrobe such as her diamond earrings and the satin bows, but they are baffled by unexpected, boxy, heavy weight leather shorts.

In the next picture, I am supporting the leather theme, with a current part of the 2010 fall Hermes collection. This supports the need for a leather item to keep with current trends. The rugged simplistic style of each jacket, still speaks volumes about the personality that the designer is creating on the wearer. Even though the finished look on the model is elegant and charming the underlying basis was to give a “rock star” vibe to a contemporary outfit. Paired with a tailored pair of slacks that are lightweight and reminiscent of suiting or work attire, it gives the gentleman a harder edge to his look.

 

 

Here is another example of the leather trend in an act of persuading the cultivated industry look, this time to reproduce a feeling of military dominance. Burberry 2010 Fall collection, has the man looking equipped for the outdoors with his oversized double collared Sherpa lined jacket encasing his dress pant and fitted cardigan, and matching to his unrefined worn-in leather work boot. This picture is proving his want to feel in charge, like a commander in a military squadron. I feel all of the looks that I have described are professional with rebellious attitude.

I want to incorporate a structured detail into a mans wardrobe, for his day to day life. I want to emblify the rebellion of the “tough guy” or possible alter-ego of the 9-5 professional polished lifestyle he feels subject to abide by. He still needs to be taken seriously as he plays an acknowledged role in his lifestyle, but he feels the want to have a bit of a dangerous appeal. Leather details throughout his wardrobe will give the garments a bit of an edge, without making him feel too misplaced in his environment.

In support of my idea, I have done some research into the seasonal trends supporting that leather will be a forecasted trend for fall/winter 2010/2011. It’s reigning on the runways in the forms of button up shirts, leather leggings and fine thin leather in the form of a spring styled tank top. To keep with the sustainability practices today, leather manufacturers are being eco friendly and using all natural vegetable tanning products for the leather, that actually improve the leathers look as it ages. Companies such as Brave Leather have caught on to this trend, and it has improved their popularity as they are keeping in stride with economic values, which are greatly important to our consumers nowadays.